In addition, findings from the financial services firm suggested that Australia and New Zealand are the most popular destination for over-50s, making up more than a quarter (26 per cent) of the demographic’s votes. Visiting various European countries and United States accounted for 21 and nine per cent of consumers’ travel “desires”, with eight per cent of people wanting to see more of Britain. Africa, China and the Antarctic were also among the places that older people have stated they would like to visit.

Alliance & Leicester also pointed out that such travelers are looking to do adventurous activities during the course of their break. Some seven per cent of over-50s have their sights set on going scuba diving, with the same proportion planning to attend a music festival. One in ten, meanwhile, would like to go on a helicopter ride.

Commenting on the research, Emma Walkley, current account manager for Alliance & Leicester, stated that although older people are looking to go away more often, getting a sufficient travel insurance policy for adventure holidays could see consumers come under financial strain, which may impact upon the destination they will be able to go to or what activities they can afford to do. In addition, it may also cause difficulties in meeting spending commitments such as loans and credit card bills.

She said: “The desire of the over-50s to see more of the world is clear - this is not an age group that plans to sit back and enjoy a slower pace of life. Quite the opposite in fact, with long-haul destinations and a thirst for adventure firmly on the agenda. But whether you are traveling locally or further a field, having adequate protection is essential and unfortunately for people in this age group, this can come at an increased cost.”

Meanwhile, those looking for a competitive way to meet the expense of traveling abroad, in addition to related expenditure such as insurance, may wish to take out a low-rate loan. Such a loan could be particularly helpful as a recent study by moneysupermarket shows that the average British household going abroad in the search for some winter sun spends some 700 pounds on holiday extras such as souvenirs, transport to and from airports, getting photographs developed and guide books.

If you want to take a trip to Eastern Europe, then the best place for you to go to is Ukraine. Whereas Russia is the biggest in terms of the land area, Ukraine is, on the other hand, the richest in terms of what it has to offer. Ukraine is the second largest country in Eastern Europe, and its cultural heritage is probably the best it can offer to you as a foreign visitor.

1.) Libraries

You will find an extensive list of libraries in Ukraine dedicated to a variety of concentrations. For one, there is Ukrainian Academy of Science, the biggest in the country, so be sure to visit this library if you want to get to know more about the culture of Ukrainians. There are many other libraries in Ukraine, ranging from topics of religion, politics and works of fiction.

2. Historical Museums

The rich history of Ukraine has spawned a lot of museums. One notable museum is the Historical Museum of Ukraine where you can get a glimpse of Ukraine’s history just by a tour of the museum. Other famous museums include the Museum of Historical Treasures and Museum of Ukrainian Art.

3.) Churches

Another good thing about Ukraine is its magnificent and beautiful churches. These churches are inspired by different architectural styles. Two world-famous churches are in here - the Church of Saint Andrew and Cathedral of Saint George, both of which are found in Kyiv.

4.) The City Capital, Kyiv

The most interesting city you must visit if you are in Ukraine is the country’s capital - Kyiv. Because most of the structures and buildings in the area were destructed during the World War II, a vast regeneration of the place was done throughout the past, recent years. Thus, Kyiv will come off as a very modern place probably similar to your hometown.

5.) Waters in Ukraine

A lot of bodies of water can be found in Ukraine. The most abundant of which are rivers. In Ukraine are found some of the largest river bodies in Europe, and this will prove to be a great experience if you are looking for a bonding experience with your family.

6.) Natural Reserves and Wildlife

Another thing Ukraine is proud of is its natural reserves and wildlife refugees. Ukraine is home to a number of endangered species, which is why it has taken the important move to protect its wildlife. You ought to visit the zoos and reserves in the place to get a glimpse of animals you can only see in this country.

7.) Literature

You should never leave Ukraine without having a taste of their native literature. The thing about Ukraine’s literature is that it manifests directly the history of the country. Its literary topics include poems, Christian verses, and political novels and books dealing with social realism. You should read or buy a book in Ukraine while you’re at it.

8.) Theaters

Ukrainian culture has procreated a lot of original works in the arts and letters. In theater, the same can be said for no less. The theaters in Ukraine hold concerts and ballet performances which have been deemed as world class by critics and fans alike.

9.) Art Exhibits

Again another proof of the rich cultural ancestry of Ukraine is its exhibits. These exhibits showcase the works of their artists for over hundreds of years ago. Usually, the themes are either secular or non-secular, which makes it perfectly enjoyable for you, whether or not you are a religious person.

10.) Christian Places

Many places in Ukraine are known for its being religious in nature. Usually, this religion has something to do with Christianity. The peacefulness of the place also allows for you to be in perfect reverie, as the country is not often visited by tourists.

If you liked this article, I recomment reading  6 Things not to Miss on the Red Square in Moscow

China is a big country with lots of places to see and lots of things to do that a mere week will never be enough, even a month will not suffice. But still, so many tourists visit this wonderful country yearly, and yearly, that number is increasing. So, why do they keep coming back to China? Here are some reasons why.

1. Great Wall of China

Whoever heard of anybody who visited China and never went to see the Great Wall of China? This is a very historical place and is visited by millions of tourists yearly. On your way up, you will also enjoy the wonderful scenery this place offers like the natural landscape of China.

2. Forbidden City

This is also called the Palace Museum. Although it was formerly closed to the public, now, the gates are open to anybody who wants to experience Chinese culture and history at its best. You can walk along its vast grounds and gardens and enjoy its many beautiful buildings as you marvel at the beauty and mystery that China has.

3.) Temple of Heaven

This is also a must-visit in China. Here, you will enjoy walking through its park and get to see locals doing tai chi or other forms of exercise like dancing. This is also a relaxing and peaceful place to visit.

4.) Summer Palace

No tour in China is the same if you did not visit the Summer Palace. This is a historical site, and you can see here so many ruins of palaces that were built during the Qing Dynasty. You can stroll along its gardens as well as explore the caves and other secret ruins.

5.) Beijing Zoo and Aquarium

The zoo is not that great, but what the zoo lacks, the aquarium more than makes up for it. The Beijing Aquarium is also recognized as one of the largest aquariums in the world with a myriad of marine animals. In the zoo, not only will you enjoy the animals kept there, but you can also walk through its gardens and admire its lakes and ponds.

6.) Beijing Botanical Gardens

For more of nature, visit the Botanical Gardens. Here, you will enjoy seeing the various plants and flowers of China as well as imported ones also. Enjoy its wide variety of flowers also like the tulips and the peonies.

7.) Hutongs

For more of China’s culture and heritage, walk along Hutongs’ old alleyways where you will get a firsthand experience of what old China was like. There are traditional siheyuan houses here as well as courtyard homes that used to belong by Chinese aristocrats. Visiting Hutongs will surely give anybody a culture high.

8.) Reed Flute Cave

Any nature lover will surely love visiting this majestic limestone cave. Here, be impressed with the stalagmite and stalactite formations. Enjoy the guided tour as the tour guide points out famous stalagmite and stalactite formations that represent animals and men.

9.) Ocean Aquarium

Ocean Aquarium is located in Guilin and is also a favorite tourist spot here in China. Like the Beijing Aquarium, it is also one of the biggest in the whole of Asia. This Aquarium is also home to many marine creatures.

10.) Kunming

In Kunming, you will get to see museums that house Chinese artifacts dating thousands of years ago. You can also visit Kunming’s Botanical Gardens and enjoy the pleasant and relaxing scenery it gives to its visitors. If you want to visit more parks, then there is Cuihu Lake Park and Jindian Park for you to visit as well as the Western Mountain Forest Reserve and the Village of Ethnic Culure.

For the regular Dining Plan in 2008 you’ll receive the following:

• 2 Meals Per Day: For the regular Dining Plan you’ll receive one table service meal and one quick service meal each day of your stay.
• 1 Snack Per Day: In addition to the 2 meals you’ll also receive 1 snack every day. A snack includes one of the following: frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle, fruit bar, popcorn scoop (single serving box), single serving grab bag of chips, single piece of whole fruit, 20-oz. bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani water, medium fountain soft drink or juice, 12-oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea.

Here are some of the key differences between the 2007 and 2008 REGULAR Dining Plans:

• Gratuity No Longer Included: Beginning in 2008, the Disney Dining Plan will no longer include gratuity (tips.) This means you’ll need to bring some cash along with you to leave a tip for your table service meals. For parties of 6 or more people an 18% gratuity will be added to your check automatically.
• Appetizers No Longer Included with Table Service Meals: In 2008 the table service meal will only include an entree, non-alcoholic beverage and dessert (or full buffet meal if applicable.) This is different from 2007 where you received an appetizer with your meal as well.
• Wine and Dine Option: For an extra $39.99/day you can add a daily bottle of wine to your package.

Disney has also added a new dining plan for 2007 called the DELUXE Dining Plan. This is a more flexible (and more expensive) option for diners where you’ll receive the following:

• 3 Meals: On the new Deluxe Dining Plan in 2008 you’ll receive 3 meals each day of your stay. The 3 meals can be any combination of sit down or counter service so you have the choice of eating at any Disney restaurant on the list. If you choose a table service meal that will include one appetizer, one entree, one dessert (lunch and dinner only) and one non-alcoholic beverage OR one Full Buffet. If you choose a counter service meal that will include one entree (or complete combo meal), one dessert (lunch or dinner only), one juice (breakfast only) and one non-alcoholic beverage.
• 2 Snacks: In addition to the 3 meals you’ll also receive 2 snacks every day. A snack includes one of the following: frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle, fruit bar, popcorn scoop (single serving box), single serving grab bag of chips, single piece of whole fruit, 20-oz. bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani water, medium fountain soft drink or juice, 12-oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea.
• Wine and Dine Option: For an extra $39.99/day you can add a daily bottle of wine to your package.

For the DELUXE Dining Plan the same rules will apply as the regular plan when it comes to gratuity. It’s not included.

On the surface my initial reaction is that I’m not really happy with the changes in the regular Dining Plan. With the loss of the appetizer on the table service meal and the added expense of paying for gratuity out of my pocket it starts to make more sense to pay-as-you-go. And when it comes to the DELUXE Dining Plan it just seems like a lot of money on a daily basis unless you plan on eating at a lot of table service restaurants. That option could be the better option however I’ll have to play with the numbers a bit more to see what is the best way to go so look for future articles regarding this subject. No matter what you’re still in for a thrill the next time you dine in Disney so have fun!

Your experience of a place would not be complete without a taste of its culinary offerings. In Puerto Rico, its criolla dishes are a must-try although international and fusion cuisines are also served in a lot of restaurants. Dining options run the gamut from upscale places to casual diners. The capital, San Juan, offers a wide and interesting variety of restaurants and is the perfect place for the ultimate Puerto Rican food experience.

Comida criolla or creole food refers to the local cuisine in Puerto Rico. It’s a melting pot (no pun intended) of traditional Taino food, Spanish culinary influence, and African cooking. Some of the most popular criolla dishes are lechon asado (roasted pork), adobo (seasoning made of vinegar, paprika, oil, garlin, and oregano), asopoa de pollo (stewed chicken), habichuelas (rice and red beans served with meat), and sofrito (a sauce made of cilantro onion, garlic, pepper, and other seasonings and spices). Criolla cooking also features several manners of cooking plantains. There’s tostones which is mashed green plantains, platanos which slightly varies from tostones in cooking style, and mofongo which is a ball of crushed plantains mixed with meat or seafood that were fried and flavored with seasonings such garlic and tomato-based sauce.

Being nestled in the abundant waters of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico certainly cannot do without seafood cuisines. The tastiest seafood dishes can be found in the coastal cities. The Caribbean lobster is one of the premier catches in restaurants although the dolphinfish and red snapper are popular as well. The most well-known seafood specialty however would probably be the conch stuffed with tomato for a fritter or served with a ceviche salad.

To further promote criolla cuisine to travelers, the government has created the Mesones Gastronomicos program. In this project, the 30 participating restaurants throughout the island will all serve traditional Puerto Rican fare. It doesn’t mean though that you can only taste authentic criolla cooking in these dining places. Smaller restaurants that offer native cuisines abound in San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico.

Other upscale restaurants specialize in what is called the Nuevo Latino cuisine, a culinary style similar to criolla but predominantly uses fruits, fish, and tubers as main ingredients with tropical marinades and dark rum sauces as primary flavors. Most ingredients in Nuevo Latino cooking are locally sourced so as to maximize the fresh flavors of the produce. Restaurants serving this cuisine are mostly found in San Juan and other bigger cities of Puerto Rico. Tourists who crave for international cuisines won’t be disappointed as well. There are a lot of dining areas in San Juan that serve Italian, French, Arabian, Mexican, American, German, and Latin American dishes.

Along with the sumptuous food, another major part of Puerto Rican food is the beverage. This Caribbean island is also known for its strong drinks, its national beverage being the rum. There are about 20 different varieties of rum here. Puerto Rican coffee also packs a strong punch. It can be served as espresso, sweetened or with milk which is known as cafe con leche. If you’re looking for a milder drink, you can try coco frio which is served on a chilled coconut and a selection of fresh fruit juices.

Budget meals in Puerto Rico usually range from $5 to $15 while higher end dining can go up to $35. Upscale restaurants often require a dress code such as collared shirts for men and stylish apparel for women while the most expensive dining venues are usually black tie. Making a reservation is recommended especially from mid-November to April when tourists are usually flocking to Puerto Rico.

 By Matthias Janeck

Budapest, the romantic capital of Hungary, with around 1.7 Million inhabitants is located at the river Danube. Once you have been there you cannot forget the charming flair and the beauty of Budapest with all its thermal baths, historical buildings and beautiful sights.

Budapest is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a growing importance as a hub in Central Eastern Europe for business and industry. Unreachable is the view on the Danube at night when the shores are lighted and the lights are reflecting in the Danube.

Budapest has the largest synagogue and medical bath, the third largest parliament building and church in Europe as well as the second largest Baroque castle in the world. Additionally Budapest is the home of the largest Central Eastern European shopping center (Arena Plaza) and the largest island on the river Danube.

Apart from these facts Budapest became an international metropolis for businesses and expatriates which brings different cultures together which you can enjoy while dining out, partying in clubs or just during shopping in one of Budapest’s shopping streets or centers. Restaurants with all kinds of international kitchen such as Japanese, Italian, Greek or even Mongolian open up their gates to offer you culinary highlights from all over the world.

For sightseeing trips Budapest is a perfect place because it offers tons of interesting places, an interesting history and great monuments. From the US Budapest is quiet a long trip but for a Europe journey Budapest should be one of your destinations. Reaching Budapest from European cities such as London, Berlin, Rome or Paris became easier and easier with the rise of cheap flight airlines who nowadays occupy a complete terminal of the Budapest airport.

Next to all this beauty and glamour the city gives you there are things you need to take care of being a tourist. Budapest is a city where you are always facing traps and tourist rip offs for example in the wrong restaurants, bars or on the street while changing money or buying from somebody passing you. Therefore it is highly recommendable to inform yourself about the city’s behavior.

Nevertheless Budapest is the most beautiful city I have ever been to, where I settled down and where I want to spend the rest of my life. If you have the chance to visit Budapest do so!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthias_Janeck

Out and proud and looking for a fantastic travel experience? Every couple wants the opportunity to relax, have fun, and be themselves while on vacation, so we’ve compiled a list of some great gay-friendly vacation ideas, from exciting gay and lesbian events like Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, to laid-back, rainbow proud cities like Key West and Provincetown where couples can walk hand in hand along the beach, or enjoy a romantic evening over a candle light dinner in a carefree and accepting atmosphere.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

This year, Sydney’s annual fun fest is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary — if you’ve never been to this dizzyingly delightful event, this is the year to get inaugurated! From cabaret to comedy, dance parties to discussion groups, film festivals to fabulous fashion, Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most joyous and memorable events. Big performers this year include comedian extraordinare, Marget Cho, and pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Celebrations actually get under way in February, with a full month of cultural, social, and musical events, all leading up to the preeminent Mardi Gras parade and party on March 1. Whether you choose to march in the parade, or watch from the sidelines, your sense of pride will skyrocket as thousands of gay and gay-friendly folks gather to celebrate this year’s theme, “Brave New Worlds.” The after-party promises an electrified night of performances by some of the world’s most cutting-edge DJ’s mixing beats inside kaleidescopic light shows. Let the dancing begin!

Tickets and passes for individual events, as well as the main parade and party are going fast, so if you want to be part of one of the greatest gay and lesbian celebrations in the world, start booking as soon as you can. For a list of great hotels to choose from in Sydney, check out Sydney Hotels.

Key West, Florida

In Key West, where the average temperature is just under 80 degrees, gay and lesbian couples will find a fabulous variety of fun in the sun activities. One of the United States’ most gay-friendly cities, Key West is an island paradise where the official motto is “One Human Family.” Any time of year, travelers can enjoy tanning on the beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling in crystalline waters, biking through the historic district of Old Town Key West, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Duval Street, stopping to smell the roses at Key West Botanical Forest and Garden, and so much more. Key West is also host to some exciting annual events, such as Gay Spring Break in March, Pridefest in June, and Womenfest in September. Key West’s GLBT Visitor’s Center is a fantastic resource for gay and lesbian travelers, offering information on activities, special coupons, and discount offers.

Ready to soak in a little sun and fun in Key West? Check out Key West Hotels to start planning your trip.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Voted “Best Gay Resort Town” by OutTraveler in 2005, and then again by PlanetOut in 2006, Provincetown is a mecca of culture, art, and adventure for the gay or lesbian traveler. Strolling past its pleasantly funky architecture, lovely tree-strewn streets, and historic sites (P-town was the first landing site of the Pilgrims and the place where the Mayflower Compact was signed), travelers will see gay couples walking hand in hand, gay parents pushing their children along in strollers, and a myriad of smiling and friendly faces. Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a wonderful destination for whale watching, as RealTravelers Globally Speaking recently discovered:

“It was a perfect whale watch trip…since it had been raining there were very few people on the ship, we could run around at will. We rode out to Stellwagon Bank, a hot feeding ground, and immediately began spotting whales. In total, we saw about 20 humpback whales and over 100 dolphins!” (more…)

For appreciators of the arts, P-town is where it’s at. Dozens of art galleries line popular Commercial Street, and travelers can catch great theatre production here too at wonderful theatres like Provincetown Repertory Theatre (also on Commercial Street), and Provincetown Theatre Company on Bradford Street. Other activities travelers can enjoy include harbor cruises, sailing, dolphin watches, biking, beach swimming, and fishing. Oh, and let’s not forget, if it’s time to make the ultimate commitment to your partner, P-Town will be happy to host your wedding! Check out Provincetown Hotels to begin planning your stay.

I have been to Rio de Janeiro maybe five times and what amazes me the most, after the greatest opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, is the great choice of restaurants and different kinds of food.

My last visit to one of the most spectacular cities in the world was last July and exactly like every time, I spent my way back to Europe thinking that, sooner or later, I will go to live there. With deep trust on indigenous, I started asking everybody where I could find a good place to eat and every time the answer was a prompt: at Marius of course!

Curious by such enthusiasm I decided to give the so-called top restaurant of the city a try. Beautifully set in front of Leme Beach, adjoining to the worldwide famous Copacabana, it’s by no means the run-of-the-mill example of a five-star restaurant.

As soon as you reach the longed spot after a battle in Rio’s traffic, you’ll find yourself facing the first hard choice of your adventure: fish or meat? In fact, apparently for the endless variety in the menu, there are two versions of the same restaurant, one beside the other. In a typical Brazilian style, your journey will start with a never-ending buffet with all sort of appetizers, starters and dishes.

While you are enjoying the best “Farofa” you have ever had, charming waiters will succeed each other with traditional and brand new choice of spit-roasted churrasco in the “meat-version” of the restaurant.

If, instead, you’ve chosen fish, after tackling a swordfish-based ‘muqueca’ and a ‘catupiri’ with small, delicious prawns, I feel compelled to mention the toilets: they definitely are worth a visit. Ground and sinks filled with mock-precious stones, characteristic fish-shaped taps and heady incense perfume. Miles far away from the classic conception of restaurant, Marius is the latest generation of luxurious holiday destinations.

But Rio de Janeiro offers an impressive range of restaurants, for every taste, pocket and style. One of my favourite lunches is in the typical “Galletos” places that you can easily find all over the city. The last one I visited is in Ipanema, precisely in Rua Visconde de Pirajà. It’s in a corner and in its simple façade a big menu is shown. Basically, you will have half chicken well spit-roasted and a consistent side course at your choice.

The choice is various and colourful, where we can match the chicken with farofa, rice, beans, salad and so on. My drink is of course Guaranà. The price is around eight reals per person, which means around three euro for a portion I had hard time to finish. I go very often to Brasil and its galletos are for sure on my to-do-list.

From luxurious restaurants to simple bistros, from genuine ‘lanchonetes’ to ‘coconut stands’, all over the city the possibilities to get refreshed are countless and everywhere the warmth of brazilian weather and people will make you feel at home.

1) Mountaintop and seaside hiking trails. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park has both easy and rugged trails for both the casual and ambitious hikers. You can hire a hiking tour or just strike out on your own to enjoy the serene and beautiful scenery of the region. 2) Sea Kayaking - hiring a tour guide can provide you with equipment and experience to better encounter the wildlife and rugged scenery of the coast of Cape Breton Island. Depending on where you hire your tour, you can see bald eagles, cormorants, guillemots, pilot whales, a minke. You can find sea kayaking tours from Cheticamp, Cape North, Baddeck, Ingonish, or Louisbourg and places in between. 3) Spend an afternoon in Baddeck, at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum overlooking scenic Bras d’ Or Lake. Mr. Bell made his summer home in Baddeck, and the museum houses many of his lesser known, but highly intriguing projects. His hydrofoil, his fascination with tetrahedrons, and many other intriguing things are in the world-class museum for you to discover. 4) Dust off your kilt and don your dancing shoes. Cape Breton is full of Celtic colors and tunes. If you’re driving through town and see home-made signs that say “Ceili Tonight” it might be worth stopping for a spontaneous sampling of Celtic culture. Otherwise, you can also plan your Ceili (pronounced Kay-Lee) experience by checking local tourist bureaus for feature events. In October, the entire island is abuzz with the Celtic Colours International Festival, the largest celebration of its kind in North American, but you’ll also find smaller events at other times of the year. 5) Scuba diving around Cape Breton Island. Literally hundreds of shipwrecks litter the ocean floor along Cape Breton Island. In fact, since 1597, more than one thousand shipwrecks have been recorded along Cape Breton Island’s coast. For the most rewarding diving, consider St. Ann’s Bay to St. Paul Island. 6) Descend down into a coal mine beneath the ocean floor in an underground tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery Your guides for the underground excursion are retired coal miners who will help you imagine making your daily living in dark quarters beneath the ocean floor. Located about one mile from downtown Glace Bay on Cape Breton Island. 7) Hit the beach and bum around. The beaches of Cape Breton Island can be small and isolated, or large and packed with people - or any combination in between. If you’ve seen on Cape Breton beach, you have NOT seen them all. So, if beaches are one of your interests, you may want to consider a sampling of Cape Breton’s beaches and find out which ones suit you the best for your vacationing state of mind, and your personal traveling style. Visit the Fortress Louisbourg. Spend your time wandering freely through a wonderfully restored centuries-old Acadian village. Staff at the fortress are dressed in clothing from the period, and restaurants on site serve food from the era. It’s a delightful step-back in time at North America’s LIVE largest historic reconstruction on the east coast of Cape Breton Island. 9) Hit the road (or the mountains) on your bicycle. Cape Breton’s scenery has been embraced by bikers worldwide, and Cape Breton Island officials have greeted them with arms wide open. Several wonderful biking trails (cycling and mountain biking) are available across the entire Cape Breton Island. Local chambers of commerce should have ample information about their specific locales trail system and related service providers. 10) Whale watching tours from Cape Breton Island will not only give you a chance to see the large graceful creatures, but you’ll also likely have a fair shot at seeing white dolphins, seals, leatherback turtles, and native birds. On portion of Cape Breton boasts a 95% success rate in whale sightings, and some tours will give you a certificate for another free excursion if you a whale isn’t sighted (or perhaps that’s just in Tiverton). Some tours use Zodiac boats, others use schooners, and some are via kayak. Cape Breton has plenty of options for the aspiring whale watcher.

By: C.S. Deam

Article Source: http://www.articleinterchange.com

C.S. Deam and his wife fell in love with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton Island on their first vacation to the region in 2001. Since then they’ve grown to be avid promoters of the scenery and lifestyle enjoyed by Nova Scotia residents and vacationers. Photos of these campground landmarks are featured at their website http://www.vacation-nova-scotia-tourism.com/

1. The Spaskaya Bashnya. It is the highest tower of the Moscow’s Kremlin. It is also the main gateway to the Kremlin. Pay attention to the top of the Spaskaya Bashnya: there you will see the Kremlin clock – the main clockwork of Russia and one of five ruby stars which shine 24/7. Each political regime installs its symbols on the top of the Spaskaya Bashnya as if to show who rules the country. In Russian Empire there used to be double-headed eagles; in Soviet time – the stars.

2. The Lenin Mausoleum. This is the place where the body of Vladimir Lenin is still preserved. First constructed in 1924 it has served ever since as a communist propaganda tool. But it has also became an inalienable part of the Red Square.

3. The military-historical Museum. It is a magnificent red-brick building which has a postal address the Red Square 1. It contains a collection of more then 4 million artifacts of Russian history.

4. The GUM. It is a luxury shopping passage right across the Kremlin. This place used to be the shopping mall of Moscow for many centuries and therefore it is considered the center of Moscow trade. The building of the GUM is a fine example of traditional Russian architecture.

5. The Lobnoe mesto. It is a place in the center of the Red Square where the official announcements were made in medieval Russia. Contrary to popular believes the executions have never took place here.

6. The St. Basil Cathedral. It is an impressive Russian-orthodox cathedral commissioned by the Tsar Ivan IV to commemorate the defeat of Kazan in the middles of 16 century. It is an unofficial emblem of Moscow.

 Author: Anni Pelmeni

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/6-things-not-to-miss-on-the-red-square-in-moscow-297315.html